Baillie feels the time was right to say his goodbyes

Jon Dunham

Thomas Baillie believes it is “the right time” for him to step away from Kettering Town.

Despite a rampant title success in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central last season, Poppies chairman Ritchie Jeune confirmed this week the club will be seeking just one manager to lead them into the Premier Division.

That immediately spelled the end of Baillie’s reign as joint-manager alongside Scott Machin, although both were invited to apply for the sole role for next season.

That was an option Baillie declined, although it is understood that Machin could be interviewed for the position.

Baillie’s role with the Poppies goes back a number of years and he was in charge during the dark financial times when he continually threw a team together before things settled down.

He then worked alongside Dean Thomas before he and Machin were appointed last summer and they then led Kettering to what was ultimately a comfortable title victory.

But he has now decided to move on following the club’s decision.

“I think it is the right time,” Baillie said.

“I think it is something that had to happen and I had felt that way for a number of weeks.

“I’m not upset about it. I have got a big business to run and, as far as football is concerned, I am in no rush.

“I have been with Kettering through thick and thin over the past five years and I feel I have worked hard for the club. But it is just time I tried something else.

“Winning the league comfortably didn’t change my thought process, it wouldn’t have mattered how the season had ended. I think this was always the way it was going to be.

“I hope Scott stays and gets the job on his own, he is a great bloke. He knew my situation weeks ago.

“It will be a case of waiting and seeing what happens but no matter who the manager is, there will be massive expectation as always.

“Getting nearly 100 points and nearly 100 goals in one season still wasn’t enough for some fans, so whoever goes in there next will need to get off to a good start.”